Aberdeenshire Council has announced its intention to create a carbon budget for 2017/18.

At a full local authority meeting, councillors have unanimously agreed to develop and set a Carbon Budget, as well as a Climate Change Policy and Action Plan, for between 2016 – 2020.

Targets to reduce carbon emissions by 44% by 2020 were revealed in 2013, with the ultimate goal to becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

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While still committed to reaching this target, councillors were informed to take a 'more proactive approach' to tackling climate change.

Areas with the highest emissions such as energy/property, street lights, transport and waste will need to be reduced over the next few years.

Cllr David Aitchison said: "In 2013, this council agreed challenging targets to reduce our carbon emissions but since then, implementation has been slow.

"This new commitment will ensure all areas of the council are expected to support initiatives to deliver carbon reductions. By considering the carbon budget alongside a new climate change action plan will help us to meet our targets."

(LM/MH)